The Premier League have officially confirmed that they are in legal dispute with Newcastle United over the failed Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, Reuben Brothers and PCP Capital Partners takeover of the club.
The three interested parties pulled out of the controversial buyout back in July, after talks had stalled over rows concerning the Saudi’s links with pirate bay television provider beoutQ.
The ‘unforeseeably prolonged process’ eventually culminated in a withdrawn bid.
The fallout of Newcastle’s failed takeover, however, has been embroiled in further controversy, with the Premier League confirming in a letter to the Newcastle Consortium Supporters that they’re currently in a legal dispute with Mike Ashley & co.
And allegedly, that represents a breach of the club’s confidentiality on behalf of the Premier League, with both said to be bound by privacy on the matter now that the case is actually running.
A statement read (via The Shields Gazette): “The Newcastle Consortium Supporters has received a reply from the Premier League’s lawyers, Bird & Bird, that has confirmed that the club is currently in a legal dispute with the Premier League regarding the proposed acquisition, which may lead to a duplication of the issues raised by the fans consortium.
“The Premier League have said it would therefore be premature for us to bring our claim now. However, the Premier League have not said who is to determine these proceedings, nor when they will be determined. We, the fans, feel we have a right to know and to be kept informed.”
The Premier League today issued a nine-page, ‘substantive’ Newcastle United takeover response to NCSL’s anti-competition law legal claims.
It is understood NCSL have reiterated their pledge to plough on towards court action.
The source received a ‘no comment’ response from the governing body when queried on the matter.
It seems this certainly isn’t the last we’ve heard on the matter after the summer’s controversial failed takeover.